Workplace Wellness

Incorporating local foods into your workplace wellness program is a great way to support the health & happiness of your team while also supporting area farm families and the local economy! The following page includes a few ideas to help you incorporate local foods into your workplace wellness program.

If you would like more information on any of the following, please contact Dubuque County ISU Extension & Outreach Food Systems Coordinator Brittany Demezier at demezier@iastate.edu | 563 583 6496

1. Promote Healthy Eating

CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) + Food Box Delivery programs

CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a fun and convenient way for employees to commit trying new healthy fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Currently there are four farms who deliver freshly picked produce to various locations in the Dubuque area each week. The Iowa Food Hub (West Union, IA) also offers a weekly Local Food Box delivery program that includes local produce, meat, eggs, and dairy from a group of producers in Northeast Iowa.

Helpful Resources from Fairshare CSA Coalition

2. Promote Healthy Activity

Corporate Gardens + Donation Gardens + Community Gardens

Did you know in 30 minutes of gardening you can burn 135-177 calories?

Gardening is a great way to get exercise, build relationships, and can also be a great way to give back to the community! Gardens have been shown to improve health by decreasing blood pressure, reducing heart rate, relieving muscle tension, and improving mood. Below are a few different ideas to incorporate gardening into your workplace wellness program:

Corporate Gardens: Corporate/employee gardens have been established in businesses as large as PepsiCo and Rockwell Collins as a way of supporting organization’s sustainability initiatives and improving workplace wellness. In addition to creating a sense of environmental stewardship, and nutritional awareness among employees, corporate gardens also create a unique public relations opportunity.

Community Gardens & Urban Farms
Not ready to build a garden on-site just yet? There are a number of community gardens and urban farms in the Dubuque area who are always looking to bring on volunteers! Find a garden near your company & schedule a volunteer day at www.DBQCommunityGardens.com